Female Enrollment Increases at the College of Industrial Technology

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Female Enrollment Increases at the College of Industrial Technology

Virac, Catanduanes - The College of Industrial Technology (CIT), a historically male-dominated unit at Catanduanes State University (CatSU), has experienced a striking upward trajectory in female enrollment over the past six academic years.

The figures, spanning from the AY 2017-2018 to 2022-2023, reveal a compelling story of expanding gender diversity. As far back as the AY 2017-2018, male students held a significant majority at 77.01% in CIT, with 536 male students compared to a mere 160 female students. However, over the subsequent years, the gender gap has consistently narrowed. Female enrollment increased to 24.21% in AY 2018-2019, rose further to 29.09% in AY 2019-2020, and reached an impressive 35.80% in AY 2020-2021. Although it slightly dipped to 30.96% in AY 2021-2022, the most recent school year recorded a female enrollment of 29.20%

The turning point came in AY 2020-2021 when female enrollment surpassed 35%, totaling 397, while male enrollment stood at 712. This pivotal moment showcases the growing interest and confidence of young women in pursuing education in fields that were once perceived as predominantly male-centric.

The upsurge in female enrollment can be attributed to several factors, including the University’s efforts to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for all students, irrespective of gender. Additionally, a rising awareness of gender equality in the province, along with the dismantling of traditional barriers in workplaces, has encouraged more women to express interest in fields that were historically male dominated.

Dean Dr. Edwin T. Romero expressed delight at the changing demographics within the college, stating, “It’s wonderful to witness this positive shift in enrollment. We are committed to nurturing talent and providing equal opportunities for all our students. Seeing young women pursuing ladderized degrees in electronics, drafting, mechanical, and automotive technologies, as well as BS in Architecture, is not only a sign of progress but also an indicator of the bright future ahead.”

As CIT continues to display improving gender diversity and inclusivity, “We hope to positively impact the campus culture. For instance, women are known to be detail-oriented, and I hope our male students can see the value in that. Likewise, our female students should not be afraid to embrace hands-on experiences to earn a living,” commented Gender and Development Focal Person Melinda Abichuela, emphasizing the importance of sharing skills between genders.

CatSU President Patrick Alain T. Azanza is positive that this trend will continue and highlights the need for gender-responsive facilities. “The substantial increase in female enrollment in traditionally male-dominated colleges and vice versa expands opportunities for everyone. We are happy with this development, as it signifies equal representation of genders, empowerment of marginalized sectors, and the involvement of diverse ideas. In response to this emerging trend, we must prepare our facilities, such as providing more laboratories and automated machines that cater to the differences in physical characteristics of genders.”

CatSU administration remains firmly committed to achieving gender equality, extending efforts to address gender gaps in other colleges like Engineering, Education, and Health Sciences.

This remarkable surge in female enrollment at CIT reflects a positive shift towards greater gender equality in academia. As the University continues its dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, the hope is for this trend to spread across other disciplines, driving the transformation towards a more equitable and diverse academic landscape.

Ms. Reashiela L. Khan

GMMS Focal Person